Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner Steve Turner today launched a new fund to help charities beat the winter blues.
The Brighter Days Fund will give grants to charities, who run projects helping some of Cleveland’s most vulnerable residents.
The fund will target lonely, isolated and rural residents as well as those suffering hardship during the current financial crisis.
Potential projects should aim to relieve loneliness or hardship. They should also help decrease the incidence of stress, low mood and depression during the period 1 January to 31 March 2023.
The funding recognises that social isolation and financial stress are likely to make people feel more vulnerable. As a result, they are more likely to become victims of crime.
Cleveland PCC Steve Turner said: “Winter can be a challenging time for people, who are lonely, isolated or in need.
“Bad weather and longer nights mean that many of our most vulnerable residents don’t socialise as much at this time of year.
“Christmas brings financial stresses for many each year. This year, they are added pressures, impacting what people will be able to afford. All of these pressures can lead to feelings of stress, depression, loneliness and isolation.
“We want projects that can help to combat those feelings by providing quality support to help people through some of the hardest months of the year, build their strength and resilience and stop them from becoming victims of crime.”
Brighter Days is funded from the Police Property Act. The Act raises money by seizing and selling recovered stolen goods, money or property, where the owners cannot be traced.
Quarterly release
The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) plans to release funding for charities every quarter. Investments will go to projects with a seasonal them, which will be announced every three months.
In addition to quarterly themes, charities working in Cleveland can apply for funding throughout the year for projects which complement the objectives of Cleveland’s Police and Crime Plan.
To be eligible for Brighter Days funding, a group must meet the following criteria:
- Be a registered charity;
- Work with people in Cleveland to improve their lives;
- Plan to run projects on quarterly themes within the agreed time period.
Deadline for applications is 1 December 2022.
Successful applicants must give the OPCC a progress report, outlining how they have spent their grant and what difference it has made.
Click here for more details!If you need help to complete your application form, please contact Amanda Wilkinson, Strategic Contracts and Governance Manager, at [email protected]